Author: G. Jefferies
It is with some sadness that I find this week draws an end to the Kindness Challenge whose gauntlet was thrown down seven weeks ago by Niki Lopez. A metaphysical journey wandering through mindfulness and taking stock of ones thoughts; ordering them, as it were.
It has been a very strange week. A moment of history being lived through in the UK, for better or worse is yet to pan out. I may blog my thoughts upon this matter, to draw sense of it all in another post. Suffice to say the outcome is not what I expected and has distracted me somewhat; as has the end of my eldest son’s school examinations. Not to mention an unexpected kindness by another blogger that has reviewed one of my short story challenges.
Even if that does sound rather odd; me thanking me, as it were. I assure you it’s not and the name coincidence is entirely serendipitous.
Returning to the point of this reflection, and no I’m not really a vampire, the challenge has been quite timely in that it followed shortly after completing a mindfulness course elsewhere. Other posts have covered my thoughts on what constitutes a habituated kindness or ‘chore’ that are taken for granted. Whether or not we, as individuals, look at these things mindfully or reinforce the default zombie mode negatively; I hate chores and chores hate me.
Hands up, I have been guilty of that, but this challenge has altered my view point. Some things need doing, end of. Is there any positive value in thinking otherwise? Realising this over the last few weeks has been a calming experience, blogging about the process enlightening and feedback in comments awesome.
In fact this challenge has altered many viewpoints, as has blogging. I’ve found kindness in many places. Maybe altered is the wrong word, crystallised, clarified or distilled them out. Either which way it’s been a very positive process. Take nothing for granted, if you are to perform a kindness or take onboard a friendship then take no conditions with you. Do something for someone and ensure it is done with the right spirit; expect something in return and it’s changed to bartering. The other person must return the kindness because they want to and certainly not because you want them to.
Was I kind before the challenge started?
I believe so, but possibly overlooked it or interpreted it badly. In the past I have expected people to be kind because that is my personal outlook. I watch the news on television and that has made my cynical at times listening to debates or stories that showcase negativity or try to spin headlines subliminally implanting false truths for people to tune into. These things do not inspire me, but increase negative feelings. Seeing them for what they truly are is liberating. Caveat; this week, in context with politics, liberating is the wrong word of choice. Any who know me here already knows my opinions of politicos and media. Alas I am in danger of going off topic and entering the realm of the other blog post I mentioned doing above. I digress once more…
Returning to the challenge in hand…yes, it has been a positive experience. More so because, dear reader, you have inspired me to do more, think more, write more and catastrophise less. I thank you all for that most sincerely. Without your constant replies the motivation to continue might have waned.
I do have a couple of questions though, something that has cropped up in comments and discussions more than once. This was a seven week challenge but mindfulness is ongoing and journeying with it is kindness.
I believe Niki Lopez is considering unveiling a Facebook page to continue with the journey in positive enlightenment. Would any of you be interested in pursuing that? If so, visit her blog here and watch for updates on progress.
Secondly, are you interested in seeing more posts on the subject of mindfulness here on my blog?
Feel free to lodge your thoughts below.
Lastly, dear reader, thank you for following my journey. That kindness is appreciated more than you might think.
A parting shot, the customery exit quote.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
Henry Ford
© G Jefferies and Fictionisfood, 2016. All rights reserved.